"What do you want, Jiraiya?" Mika asked as he left the hospital, his fifth twelve hour shift since the Invasion. When Hinata had died... "You've been following me for hours, for the last three specifically." It was hard enough for Mika lately, he had not even hung out with anyone for five whole days, just worked his ass off. He barely if ever had a moment to mourn the girl all but his sister... he had not spoken to Hanabi or Neji, or even planned for his future. Just worked, slept and trained...

So really, he had no patience for the stalking Sanin.

The man laughed, appearing out of the shadows of the hospital gates. "Few, if any can detect me. You're as good as sensei said you were."

Mika frowned. "The Third spoke of me? Why?" He tried to keep his loathing out of his voice, the only good he felt with the invasion was that man's painful death.

"Oh this and that." The man said, brushing it off, hiding something. "I will say he had rare high hopes for you. He said you were among the only of your generation to have a real killer instinct and that you explosively moved through the ranks. Special jonin in a mere year and change. I heard for a great many, Hiashi Hyuuga included, that you managed to mold Hiashi's Daughter Hinata into a terrifying force. Some called her near Jonin when before she was maybe upper genin."

Mika actually smiled here. "If I am remembered as Hinata mentor, I'll be quite happy." He turned to Jiraiya. "Still, you never answer, what do you want?"

Jiraiya sighed here. "Honestly, to help you. Many have reported your light has dimmed. Frankly we cannot afford to lose any more ninja, so it was suggested by Hiashi that you join me to get Tsunade back to the Leaf so she can become the Hokage. He said the project would be good for you."

Mika sighed. "Fine, just... let me get my things, when are we off?"

"Meet met at the Gate in an hour... and kid, for what it's worth, I know what you are going through. It does get easier... I truly am sorry for your loss." His mature, peachy face was actually filled with great appreciation and Mika knew that he meant it.

"That means a lot, Jiraiya. Hey, I have been working on sealing training for months, I could use some help if you would not mind."

"I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you... now, onward and all that... ugh, I need sleep." And so he hurried home, a new plan forming in his heart. 'I cannot help the Hyuuga this day, not for some time, maybe I can use this as a means to escape to Mist... we will see. And honestly, anything is better than being alone right now.'

"""

"What is he doing here?" Naruto barked, making Mika cringe as he walked to the Gates where he saw Jiraiya and the little idiot himself.

Mika flicked his forehead. "I helped Hinata get strong enough to kick your scrawny ass in the chunin exams, do you really want to piss me off?" Naruto huffed and puffed, trying to act bigger like a cocky bird, only for Mika spike his chakra once more, startling Naruto into submission. "You saw me heal, I am almost as good a fighter as I am a healer. I will put you down." Turning to Jiraiya, Mika asked. "Why is he here?"

"I am teaching him, passed on the Toad Summons to him already." Jiraiya started as he and Naruto moved forward.

Mika paused, eyes wide as a few tiny facts drifted through his mind. "Naruto was born October tenth, he has the Fox in him, and he has blonde hair... in fact he looks just like..."

Jiraiya's paw on his arm stopped his ramble. "You're smart, but remember to be careful." The man whispered while Naruto moved on ahead. "Yes, he is who you think. Why do you think he was favored so much by the Hokage. I knew you knew of his Jinchuuriki status, but that you figured out the rest is... impressive. Help me keep him safe, and I'll pass on what I know of sealing."

Mika frowned at him, considering his words. "Fine, but I have no qualms putting him in his place. He's earned nothing."

The old man nodded. "I can respect that... now, let's go. Tell me, as we walk, all you've studied on sealing. I need to understand where you're at."

Mika huffed. "It is hard, sealing. It feels more art than science, mixed with math. So far I can create four seals, the basic four. Sealing scrolls, two form of explosive tags and and a weak sensory tag. Nothing more, the rest was in the Jonin area and I only just got access. I know I prefer sealing in threes and fours, layering seems interesting to me."

Jiraiya actually stopped suddenly. "You remind me of Minato... the raw intelligence, the practical view of things... I think you're going to be great, kid. Now, let's talk about that layering, it is actually vital to most forms of complex seals. Especially disruption seals, which are vital." He paused, frowning, leaning in. "Kid, I am aging. We need someone to watch over Naruto. It was actually your studying of seals, and your incredible intellect... that made the Hokage want you to become Naruto's body gaurd one day. To ensure his seal stays in place. Kakashi has all but maxed out his sealing skills. I am the only master left in the village, bar Tsunade... if we are to stay safe, we need someone better. We were hoping it would be you."

Gaping, Mika started to shake. " You want me to... why? I am no one, nobody."

"No one is no one... you helped Hinata blossom into someone incredible. She may have passed, but it was to safe her sister. I saw her fight, she was amazing. You brought that out of her. Not her father, not her clan... not even her sensei. You did. Before he passed, before the invasion, the Hokage had a note written to have you taught Sealing to ensure you could become a handler. You deserve this, Mika, you really do.

You've molded yourself into someone to be trusted. Never forget that. Give yourself some credit, kid."

Mika was almost in tears, he had no love for Jiraiya and yet here was another gift, born of his love of Hinata, sent to him at a time he needed it most... and yet it confused him terribly. 'Do I stay and help the Leaf and the Hyuugas... or ditch it and go to the Mist? I need to figure it all out, and soon.'

"""

'Poor kid, he lost his only family, no wonder he is so... lost looking.' Jiraiya thought to himself, considering the boy before him. 'His potential is massive, and he is self driven... I give him a year before he surpasses Kakashi, and maybe another year before he is on my level, maybe longer. We cannot afford to lose him to him own pain, darkness and loss. We are in too vulnerable a position.

I pray he never realizes his full purpose on this quest for Tsunade. To ensure he does not take his own life... and to ensure that he can become a great force in the village long term. We have too few good medics, too few battle meidcs, and so few ninja of his generation that shine at all. We almost need this kid, or rather we will...

I just hope we can keep him alive long enough to see it through...'

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a joy to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.